Stephen Hunt has revealed how he is playing through the pain barrier after helping Reading chalk up their fourth successive Premiership victory at home to Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.

The winger suffered two broken ribs while playing for Republic of Ireland B in their 0-0 draw against Scotland on November 14.

But he has carried on playing with the aid of pain-killing injections ever since, helping Royals beat Spurs, Charlton, Fulham and now Bolton.

Kevin Doyle, the Premiership’s joint-leading scorer with eight goals, was again Royals’ match-winner, nodding home John Oster’s cross to secure a 1-0 victory.

Royals are up to sixth in the table and a point on Wednesday night would propel Steve Coppell’s men into a Champions League spot.

And Hunt admits Reading’s blistering run has helped ease the pain of playing with cracked ribs.

He told the Evening Post: “I’m having injections and at times it’s hard just walking around the house, let alone the pitch.

“The adrenalin and excitement of playing in the Premiership helps you through it.

“I can’t walk at times and I will be moaning to my girlfriend about how much it hurts, but the win certainly eases the pain.”

Hunt has rarely been out of the headlines this season following his collision with Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech nearly two months ago, but he says he is just concentrating on delivering the goods on the pitch.

He added: “People write things about you, about this and that, even my hair, but I just want to get noticed for my football.”

Fellow winger John Oster had an excellent game on the right of midfield in the absence of hamstring-injury victim Glen Little.

Manager Steve Coppell said: “He is one of those players who is possibly more comfortable at this higher level. There’s more thinking time and he can use it.

“He is a really good player for us. Glen Little is important but John Oster can do different things.”